Beverage dispenser system with controlled pump system

ABSTRACT

A post-mix beverage dispenser system with removable pumps is disclosed. The system includes a pump enclosure for receiving a plurality of beverage syrup pumps. Each beverage syrup pump may be easily removed from the enclosure and replaced in a tool-less manner. A sensor and control system for the plurality or removable pumps is also disclosed.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of the earlier filing date ofprovisional patent application, 62/635,575, filed Feb. 27, 2018, thedisclosure of which is also herein incorporated by reference.

FIELD

This disclosure relates to the field of fluid pumps. More particularly,this disclosure relates to a pump and related control system for apost-mix beverage dispenser system.

BACKGROUND

Post-mix beverage dispensers combine carbonated water with aconcentrated beverage syrup to provide a final beverage for dispensingand consumption. The beverage syrup, which is often a dense and/orviscous fluid, is typically supplied from a bag-in-box syrup container.A syrup pump may be used to move the syrup from the syrup container tothe dispensing nozzle.

Conventionally, this syrup pump is a diaphragm-type pump, which isdriven by a compressed gas such as carbon dioxide. Problematically, therubber diaphragms used in such pumps absorb flavors from the syrup. Oncethe diaphragm in a pump becomes saturated with the flavor of a givensyrup, the pump cannot be repurposed to pump a different flavoredbeverage. The pump becomes effectively dedicated to a single flavor ofbeverage syrup. More significantly, diaphragm pumps are also prone toleakage of the compressed carbon dioxide used to drive the pump whichpresents an asphyxiation hazard in confined spaces.

Further still, the diaphragm pumps eventually require service and/orreplacement, requiring significant down time while trained technicianservices pumps system.

Accordingly, what is desired is an improved syrup pump for a beveragedispenser which would eliminate the problem of flavorcross-contamination when pumps are repurposed for different flavoredbeverages. It is also desired to provide a syrup pump for a beveragedispenser which would eliminate the asphyxiation hazard associated withthe use of compressed carbon dioxide or other inert gases.

Furthermore, it is desirable that the syrup pump and associated systembe easily and quickly serviceable, preferably without the need forspecial tools or specially trained technicians. Moreover, it is alsodesirable to provide an improved system for monitoring and controllingthe operation of the syrup pump.

SUMMARY

The above and other needs are met a beverage dispenser system withremovable pumps, and its associated pump control system, made inaccordance with the present disclosure.

In a first aspect, the present disclosure provides a multiple-pumpremovable pump system. In one embodiment, a multiple-pump removable pumpsystem includes a pump enclosure for receiving a plurality of removablepumps. This pump enclosure includes least a front panel, a rear panel,first and second side panels, a bottom panel, and a removable top panel.The panels thus define an interior space within the pump enclosure. Therear panel also includes a plurality of openings and at least onehorizontal lip disposed above the plurality of openings. This lip havinga plurality of slots formed therein so that one slot is positioned aboveeach of the plurality of openings.

The pump system also includes a plurality of removable pumps which areat least partially disposed within the pump enclosure interior space.Each of these removable pump includes a pump housing having an internalpumping chamber, an inlet port and an outlet port, with each of theseports being in flow communication with the pumping chamber. Eachremovable pump also includes a spring biased retainer pin receivedwithin a retainer pin hole formed on an outer surface of the pumphousing,

Each removable pump also includes a pump motor and a pumping mechanismdriven by the pump motor and at least partially disposed within thepumping chamber. This pumping mechanism is capable of receiving a fluidthrough the inlet port into the pumping chamber at a first pressure anddischarging the fluid from the pumping chamber through the outlet portat a second pressure which is greater than the first pressure.

For each removable pump, the pump motor and at least portion of the pumphousing are disposed within the pump enclosure interior space, while theinlet port and the outlet port extend through one of the plurality ofrear panel openings, and a portion of the retainer pin extends throughone of the rear panel slots so as to retain at least a portion of theremovable pump within the pump housing.

In certain embodiments of the multiple-pump removable pump system, eachremovable pump also preferably includes a sliding lock member having afirst portion, a second portion which is narrower than the firstportion, and a lock retainer opening. This sliding lock member isslidingly movable between a locked position and an unlocked position.Also included is a sliding lock retainer passing through the slidinglock retainer opening to secure the sliding lock member to the pumphousing in a position disposed between the inlet port and the outletport.

The inlet port and the outlet port each include a channel for receivingthe first portion of the sliding lock member. When the sliding lockmember is in the locked position, the first portion of the sliding lockmember is received in the channels of the inlet port and the outlet portso as to engage and retain removable fittings within the inlet port andthe outlet port. When the sliding lock member is in the locked position,however, the second portion of the sliding lock member is positionedadjacent the channels of the inlet port and the outlet port, but withoutengaging and retaining the removable fittings within the inlet port andthe outlet port.

Preferably, in some instances, for each removable pump, the inlet porthas a first cross-sectional area and the outlet port has a secondcross-sectional area which is different from the first cross-sectionalarea. Also, in some instances, it is preferable that for each removablepump, the inlet port has a first cross-sectional diameter and the outletport has a second cross-sectional diameter which is different from thefirst cross-sectional diameter.

In certain embodiments of the multiple-pump removable pump system, thepumping mechanism each removable pump preferably includes a drive gear,having a plurality of drive gear teeth, which is disposed within thepumping chamber and rotatably driven by the pump motor. The pumpingmechanism also preferably includes an idler gear, having a plurality ofidler gear teeth intermeshed with the drive gear teeth, which isdisposed within the pumping chamber and attached to an idler shaftdisposed within the pumping chamber.

In certain embodiments of the multiple-pump removable pump system, thepump housing for each removable pump also preferably includes a sensorport in flow communication with the pumping chamber and a pressuretransducer disposed adjacent the sensor port. This transducer is incontact with a quantity of the fluid at the second pressure andgenerating an electrical signal based upon the second pressure.

In certain embodiments of the multiple-pump removable pump system, theremovable pumps are preferably beverage syrup pumps.

In a second aspect, the present disclosure provides a post-mix beveragedispenser system. In one embodiment, the post-mix beverage dispensersystem includes a beverage dispensing station having a plurality ofbeverage mixing and dispensing nozzles; a supply of carbonated water inflow communication with each of the beverage mixing and dispensingnozzles; and a plurality of beverage syrup containers, each containerhaving a supply of concentrated beverage syrup.

The post-mix beverage dispenser system also includes a multiple-pumpsyrup pump system. This syrup pump system, in turn, includes a pumpenclosure for receiving a plurality of syrup pumps. This pump enclosureincludes least a front panel, a rear panel, first and second sidepanels, a bottom panel, and a removable top panel. The panels thusdefine an interior space within the pump enclosure. The rear panel alsoincludes a plurality of openings and at least one horizontal lipdisposed above the plurality of openings. This lip having a plurality ofslots formed therein so that one slot is positioned above each of theplurality of openings.

The syrup pump system also includes a plurality of syrup pumps which areat least partially disposed within the pump enclosure interior space.Each of these syrup pump includes a pump housing having an internalpumping chamber, an inlet port and an outlet port, with each of theseports being in flow communication with the pumping chamber. Each syruppump also includes a spring biased retainer pin received within aretainer pin hole formed on an outer surface of the pump housing,

Each syrup pump also includes a pump motor and a pumping mechanismdriven by the pump motor and at least partially disposed within thepumping chamber. This pumping mechanism is capable of receiving a fluidthrough the inlet port into the pumping chamber at a first pressure anddischarging the fluid from the pumping chamber through the outlet portat a second pressure which is greater than the first pressure.

For each syrup pump, the pump motor and at least portion of the pumphousing are disposed within the pump enclosure interior space, while theinlet port and the outlet port extend through one of the plurality ofrear panel openings, and a portion of the retainer pin extends throughone of the rear panel slots so as to retain at least a portion of theremovable pump within the pump housing.

In certain embodiments of the post-mix beverage dispenser system, eachsyrup pump also preferably includes a sliding lock member having a firstportion, a second portion which is narrower than the first portion, anda lock retainer opening. This sliding lock member is slidingly movablebetween a locked position and an unlocked position. Also included is asliding lock retainer passing through the sliding lock retainer openingto secure the sliding lock member to the pump housing in a positiondisposed between the inlet port and the outlet port.

The inlet port and the outlet port each include a channel for receivingthe first portion of the sliding lock member. When the sliding lockmember is in the locked position, the first portion of the sliding lockmember is received in the channels of the inlet port and the outlet portso as to engage and retain removable fittings within the inlet port andthe outlet port. When the sliding lock member is in the locked position,however, the second portion of the sliding lock member is positionedadjacent the channels of the inlet port and the outlet port, but withoutengaging and retaining the removable fittings within the inlet port andthe outlet port.

Preferably, in some instances, for each syrup pump, the inlet port has afirst cross-sectional area and the outlet port has a secondcross-sectional area which is different from the first cross-sectionalarea. Also, in some instances, it is preferable that, for each syruppump, the inlet port has a first cross-sectional diameter and the outletport has a second cross-sectional diameter which is different from thefirst cross-sectional diameter.

In certain embodiments of the post-mix beverage dispenser system, thepumping mechanism each syrup pump preferably includes a drive gear,having a plurality of drive gear teeth, which is disposed within thepumping chamber and rotatably driven by the pump motor. The pumpingmechanism also preferably includes an idler gear, having a plurality ofidler gear teeth intermeshed with the drive gear teeth, which isdisposed within the pumping chamber and attached to an idler shaftdisposed within the pumping chamber.

In certain embodiments of the post-mix beverage dispenser system, thepump housing for each syrup pump also preferably includes a sensor portin flow communication with the pumping chamber and a pressure transducerdisposed adjacent the sensor port. This transducer is in contact with aquantity of the fluid at the second pressure and generating anelectrical signal based upon the second pressure.

In a third aspect, the present disclosure provides a multiple-pumpcontrolled pump system. In one embodiment, the controlled pump systemincludes a pump enclosure adapted for receiving a plurality of removablepumps and a plurality of removable pumps at least partially disposedwithin the pump enclosure.

Each removable pump, in turn, includes a pump housing having an internalpumping chamber, an inlet port, an outlet port, and a sensor port, witheach of these ports being in flow communication with the pumpingchamber.

Each removable pump also includes a pump motor and a pumping mechanismdriven by the pump motor and at least partially disposed within thepumping chamber. This pumping mechanism is capable of receiving a fluidthrough the inlet port into the pumping chamber at a first pressure anddischarging the fluid from the pumping chamber through the outlet portat a second pressure which is greater than the first pressure.

In addition, each removable pump also includes a pressure transducerdisposed adjacent the sensor port. This transducer is in contact with aquantity of the fluid at the second pressure and generates an electricalsignal based upon the second pressure. Also includes is a programmablemicro controller, which receives the electrical signals from thepressure transducer, and is electrically connected to the pump motor andcapable of starting and stopping the pump motor.

The controlled pump system includes a common control panel forcontrolling each of the plurality of removable pumps. This control panelincludes at least one reset switch for each removable pump electricallyconnected to the programmable micro controller for the removable pump,as well as at least one pump condition indicator for each removablepump. The at least one pump condition indicator is electricallyconnected to the programmable micro controller for the removable pump,and each pump condition indicator is capable of indicating a pluralityof pump conditions.

In certain embodiments of the controlled pump system, the pumpingmechanism for each removable pump preferably includes a drive gear,having a plurality of drive gear teeth, which is disposed within thepumping chamber and rotatably driven by the pump motor. The pumpingmechanism also preferably includes an idler gear, having a plurality ofidler gear teeth intermeshed with the drive gear teeth, which isdisposed within the pumping chamber and attached to an idler shaftdisposed within the pumping chamber. The sensor port is locateddownstream of the drive gear and the idler gear.

In certain embodiments of the controlled pump system, the pressuretransducer for each of the plurality of removable pumps preferablyincludes a ceramic piezo disc.

In certain embodiments of the controlled pump system, the control panelpreferably includes at least two pump condition indicators for eachremovable pump, with each pump condition indicator being capable ofindicating a plurality of pump conditions.

In certain embodiments of the controlled pump system, the least onereset switch for each removable pump is preferably a membrane switch andthe at least one pump condition indicator for each removable pump isincorporated into this membrane switch.

In certain embodiments of the controlled pump system, for each of theplurality of removable pumps, the micro controller is preferablyprogrammed to stop the pump motor and the at least one pump conditionindicator signals a first pump condition if the second pressure exceedsa first predetermined pressure threshold.

In certain embodiments of the controlled pump system, for each of theplurality of removable pumps, the micro controller is preferablyprogrammed to stop the pump motor and the at least one pump conditionindicator signals a second pump condition if the second pressure drops asecond predetermined pressure threshold.

In certain embodiments of the controlled pump system, for each of theplurality of removable pumps, the micro controller is preferablyprogrammed to start the pump motor and the at least one pump conditionindicator signals a third pump condition if the second pressure isbetween the first and the second predetermined pressure thresholds.

In certain embodiments of the controlled pump system, for each of theplurality of removable pumps, the micro controller is preferablyprogrammed to stop the pump motor and the at least one pump conditionindicator signals a fourth pump condition if the second pressure remainsbetween the first and the second predetermined pressure thresholds for atime period which exceeds a predetermined time threshold.

In certain embodiments of the controlled pump system, for each of theplurality of removable pumps, the micro controller is preferablyprogrammed to stop the pump motor and the at least one pump conditionindicator signals a fourth pump condition if the second pressure remainsbetween a third predetermined pressure threshold and a fourthpredetermined pressure threshold for a time period which exceeds apredetermined time threshold.

In certain embodiments of the controlled pump system, each of theremovable pumps are preferably beverage syrup pumps.

In a fourth aspect, the present disclosure provides a post-mix beveragedispenser system. In one embodiment, the beverage dispenser systemincludes a beverage dispensing station having a plurality of beveragemixing and dispensing nozzles; a supply of carbonated water in flowcommunication with each of the beverage mixing and dispensing nozzles;and a plurality of beverage syrup containers, each container having asupply of concentrated beverage syrup.

The post-mix beverage dispenser system also includes a multiple-pumpsyrup pump system. This syrup pump system, in turn, includes a pumpenclosure adapted for receiving a plurality of syrup pumps and aplurality of syrup pumps at least partially disposed within the pumpenclosure.

Each syrup pump, in turn, includes a pump housing having an internalpumping chamber, an inlet port in flow communication with one of thebeverage syrup containers and with the pumping chamber, an outlet portin flow communication with the pumping chamber and with one of thebeverage mixing and dispensing nozzles, and a sensor port in flowcommunication with the pumping chamber.

Each syrup pump also includes a pump motor and a pumping mechanismdriven by the pump motor and at least partially disposed within thepumping chamber. This pumping mechanism is capable of receiving a fluidthrough the inlet port into the pumping chamber at a first pressure anddischarging the fluid from the pumping chamber through the outlet portat a second pressure which is greater than the first pressure.

In addition, each syrup pump also includes a pressure transducerdisposed adjacent the sensor port. This transducer is in contact with aquantity of the fluid at the second pressure and generates an electricalsignal based upon the second pressure. Also includes is a programmablemicro controller, which receives the electrical signals from thepressure transducer, and is electrically connected to the pump motor andcapable of starting and stopping the pump motor.

The syrup pump system includes a common control panel for controllingeach of the plurality of syrup pumps. This control panel includes atleast one reset switch for each removable pump electrically connected tothe programmable micro controller for the removable pump, as well as atleast one pump condition indicator for each removable pump. The at leastone pump condition indicator is electrically connected to theprogrammable micro controller for the syrup pump, and each pumpcondition indicator is capable of indicating a plurality of pumpconditions.

In certain embodiments of the post-mix beverage dispenser system, thepumping mechanism for each syrup pump preferably includes a drive gear,having a plurality of drive gear teeth, which is disposed within thepumping chamber and rotatably driven by the pump motor. The pumpingmechanism also preferably includes an idler gear, having a plurality ofidler gear teeth intermeshed with the drive gear teeth, which isdisposed within the pumping chamber and attached to an idler shaftdisposed within the pumping chamber. The sensor port is locateddownstream of the drive gear and the idler gear.

In certain embodiments of the post-mix beverage dispenser system, thepressure transducer for each of the plurality of syrup pumps preferablyincludes a ceramic piezo disc.

In certain embodiments of the post-mix beverage dispenser system, thecontrol panel preferably includes at least two pump condition indicatorsfor each syrup pump, with each pump condition indicator being capable ofindicating a plurality of pump conditions.

In certain embodiments of the post-mix beverage dispenser system, theleast one reset switch for each removable pump is preferably a membraneswitch and the at least one pump condition indicator for each removablepump is incorporated into this membrane switch.

In certain embodiments of the post-mix beverage dispenser system, foreach of the plurality of syrup pumps, the micro controller is preferablyprogrammed to stop the pump motor and the at least one pump conditionindicator signals a first pump condition if the second pressure exceedsa first predetermined pressure threshold.

In certain embodiments of the post-mix beverage dispenser system, foreach of the plurality of syrup pumps, the micro controller is preferablyprogrammed to stop the pump motor and the at least one pump conditionindicator signals a second pump condition if the second pressure drops asecond predetermined pressure threshold.

In certain embodiments of the post-mix beverage dispenser system, foreach of the plurality of syrup pumps, the micro controller is preferablyprogrammed to start the pump motor and the at least one pump conditionindicator signals a third pump condition if the second pressure isbetween the first and the second predetermined pressure thresholds.

In certain embodiments of the post-mix beverage dispenser system, foreach of the plurality of syrup pumps, the micro controller is preferablyprogrammed to stop the pump motor and the at least one pump conditionindicator signals a fourth pump condition if the second pressure remainsbetween the first and the second predetermined pressure thresholds for atime period which exceeds a predetermined time threshold.

In certain embodiments of the post-mix beverage dispenser system, foreach of the plurality of syrup pumps, the micro controller is preferablyprogrammed to stop the pump motor and the at least one pump conditionindicator signals a fourth pump condition if the second pressure remainsbetween a third predetermined pressure threshold and a fourthpredetermined pressure threshold for a time period which exceeds apredetermined time threshold.

Thus according to the present disclosure, a pump system is providedhaving a plurality of pumps for beverage syrups and other fluids. Eachof the pumps may be quickly and easily installed in, or removed from, acommon pump enclosure—without the need for special tools or speciallytrained technicians.

In addition, the removable pumps are preferably driven by an electricmotor rather being gas driven diaphragm pumps. Advantageously then, theproblem of syrup flavors being absorbed by the rubber components of adiaphragm pump and subsequently leaching out into other beverage syrups(i.e. flavor cross-contamination) is eliminated. Consequently, the syruppumps according to the present disclosure may be readily repurposed fordifferent flavored beverages if desired. Moreover, by eliminating thegas driven diaphragm pump, leakage of carbon dioxide or other inertgases from the diaphragm pump is likewise eliminated along with theassociated confined space asphyxiation hazard.

Further still the pump system of the present disclosure provides animproved system for monitoring and controlling the operation of thesyrup pumps.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further advantages of the disclosure are apparent by reference to thedetailed description when considered in conjunction with the figures,which are not to scale so as to more clearly show the details, whereinlike reference numbers indicate like elements throughout the severalviews, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a pump enclosure in accordancewith one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of a pump system in accordance with oneembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of a portion of a pump system in accordancewith one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of a pump system in accordance withone embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of a beverage syruppump in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 6-9 are rear perspective views illustrating steps in thedisconnection of a beverage syrup pump in accordance with one embodimentof the present disclosure;

FIGS. 10-13 are front perspective views illustrating steps in theremoval of a beverage syrup pump from a pump enclosure in accordancewith one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 14 is schematic diagram illustrating a beverage dispenser system inaccordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a pump control scheme in accordancewith one embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure relates to a multiple-pump removable pump systemand a related control system. The pump and control systems areparticularly suited for pumping beverage syrups in a post-mix beveragedispenser.

As shown in FIGS. 1-4, a multiple-pump removable pump system 10according to the present disclosure includes a pump enclosure 12 forreceiving a plurality of removable pumps 14. This pump enclosure 12 isgenerally formed from steel or another metal material, or from plasticand includes least a front panel 16, a rear panel 18, first and secondside panels 20, 22, a bottom panel 24, and a removable top panel 26. Thepanels thus define an interior space 28 within the pump enclosure 12. Insome instances, the enclosure 12 may also include an internal divider 30which partitions the interior space 28 into two sections. The rear panel18 also includes a plurality of openings 32 and at least one horizontallip 34 disposed above the plurality of openings 32. This lip 34 includesa plurality of slots 36 formed therein, so that one slot 36 ispositioned above each of the plurality of openings 32.

The pump system 10 also includes a plurality of pumps 14 which are atleast partially disposed within the pump enclosure interior space 28.Preferably each pump may be inserted into, and removed from, the pumpenclosure 12 in a simple manner and without the need for any tools.

Preferably, each of the removable pumps 14 are beverage syrup pumps,suitable for use in, for instance, a post-mix beverage dispenser system.

With further reference to FIG. 5, each of these removable pumps 14includes a pump housing 40 which is generally formed from a highstrength material, such as brass, stainless steel, or another metal oralloy. Alternatively, the pump housing 40 may be molded from a polymericmaterial, preferably a polymeric material embedded with a fiberreinforcement material, such as carbon fiber or fiberglass filaments.

The pump housing 40 includes an internal pumping chamber 42, an inletport 44, an outlet port 46, and preferably a sensor port 48, with eachof these ports being in flow communication with the pumping chamber 42.Each removable pump 14 also includes a spring biased retainer pin 50received, preferably captively received, within a retainer pin hole 52formed on an outer surface of the pump housing 40.

In addition, each removable pump 14 includes a pump motor 60 and apumping mechanism driven by the pump motor 60 and at least partiallydisposed within the pumping chamber 42. The pump motor 60 is preferablyan electric motor. Preferably, a common power supply 64 is disposedwithin the enclosure 12 and used to power all of the electric pumpmotors.

The pumping mechanism is generally driven by the pump motor 60 via adrive shaft 66. In some instances, the drive shaft 66 may be directlycoupled to the pumping mechanism. In such cases, the pump housing 40further includes a drive shaft opening through which the drive shaft 66extends into the pump housing 40 and a seal assembly 68 to prevent fluidleakage through the drive shaft opening. In other instances, the driveshaft 66 may be magnetically coupled to the pumping mechanism.

The pumping mechanism is capable of receiving a fluid through the inletport 44 into the pumping chamber 42 at a first pressure and dischargingthe fluid from the pumping chamber 42 through the outlet port 46 at asecond pressure which is greater than the first pressure.

For instance, in certain embodiments of the multiple-pump removable pumpsystem 10, the pumping mechanism for each removable pump 14 ispreferably a gear pump mechanism. This gear pump preferably includes adrive gear 70. The drive gear 70 includes a plurality of drive gearteeth 72 and is disposed within the pumping chamber 42 and rotatablydriven by the pump motor 60. The pumping mechanism also preferablyincludes an idler gear 74. The idle gear also includes a plurality ofidler gear teeth 76 intermeshed with the drive gear teeth 72 and is alsodisposed within the pumping chamber 42. The idler gear 74 is attached toan idler shaft 78 disposed within the pumping chamber 42.

During operation of the gear pump, fluid is received into the pumpingchamber 42 from the inlet port 44 at a first or initial pressure. Thedrive shaft 66 rotates the drive gear 70 which in turn rotates the idlergear 74 due to the intermeshed teeth of the two gears. As the two gearsrotate, fluid is trapped by the gear teeth. The fluid then travelsaround the inner perimeter of the pumping chamber 42 until it is forcedout through the outlet port 46 at a second pressure which is greaterthan the first or initial pressure.

For each removable pump 14, the pump motor 60 and at least portion ofthe pump housing 40 are disposed within the pump enclosure interiorspace 28, while the inlet port 44 and the outlet port 46 extend throughone of the plurality of rear panel openings 32, as seen in FIG. 4. Inthis position, the removable pump 14 is secured in place by a portion ofthe retainer pin 50 which extends through one of the rear panel slots 36of the enclosure 12 so as to retain at least a portion of the removablepump 14 within the pump housing 40.

Preferably each removable pump 14 of the multiple-pump removable pumpsystem 10 is also configured so that the inlet and outlet ports 44, 46may be quickly connected or disconnected to supply and discharge linesin a tool-less manner. As shown in FIG. 6, this may be accomplished byproviding a sliding lock member 80 which is movably attached to the pumphousing 40 adjacent the inlet and outlet ports 44, 46. The sliding lockmember 80 has a first portion 82, a second portion 84 which is narrowerthan the first portion 82, and a lock retainer opening 86. The slidinglock member 80 is slidingly movable between a locked position and anunlocked position. Also included is a sliding lock retainer 88 passingthrough the sliding lock retainer opening 86 to secure the sliding lockmember 80 to the pump housing 40 in a position disposed between theinlet port 44 and the outlet port 46.

The inlet port 44 and the outlet port 46 preferably each include achannel 90 or groove for receiving the first portion 82 of the slidinglock member 80. Thus, when the sliding lock member 80 is in the lockedposition, the first portion 82 of the sliding lock member 80 is receivedin the channels 90 of the inlet port 44 and the outlet port 46 so as toengage and retain removable fittings 92, 94 within the inlet port 44 andthe outlet port 46. When the sliding lock member 80 is in the lockedposition, however, the second portion 84 of the sliding lock member 80is positioned adjacent the channels 90 of the inlet port 44 and theoutlet port 46, but without engaging and retaining the removablefittings 92, 94 within the inlet port 44 and the outlet port 46. Thus,the inlet and outlet ports 44, 46 may be connected or disconnected tosupply and discharge lines in a tool-less manner.

Moreover, for each removable pump, the inlet port 44 preferably has afirst cross-sectional area and the outlet port 46 preferably has asecond cross-sectional area which is different from the firstcross-sectional area. Also, in some instances, it is preferable that foreach removable pump 14, the inlet port 44 has a first cross-sectionaldiameter and the outlet port 46 has a second cross-sectional diameterwhich is different from the first cross-sectional diameter.

The removable fitting 92 for the supply line has a cross-sectional areaand a cross-sectional diameter adapted to fit into the inlet port 44 butnot the outlet port 46. Meanwhile, the removable fitting 94 for thedischarge line has a cross-sectional area and a cross-sectional diameteradapted to fit into the outlet port 46 but not the inlet port 44. Inthis manner, it will be appreciated that improper connection of thesupply line to the outlet port 46, or of the discharge line to the inletport 44, may be prevented.

In another aspect, a sensor and control system is also provided for theremovable pumps 14. This sensor and control system allows a positivedisplacement pump mechanism, such the aforementioned gear pumpmechanism, to be used safely and without damage to the equipment.Referring again to FIGS. 1-5, each removable pump 14 in this regard alsoincludes a pressure transducer 100 disposed adjacent the sensor port 48.Each pressure transducer 100 preferably includes a ceramic piezo disc.The transducer 100 is in contact with a quantity of the fluid at thesecond (i.e. discharge) pressure and generates an electrical signalwhich is proportional to the second pressure.

Each removable pump 14 also includes a separate programmable microcontroller 102, which receives the electrical signals from the pressuretransducer 100 via an electric cable 104 and is electrically connectedto the pump motor 60 and capable of starting and stopping the pump motor60. The programmable micro controller 102 may be enclosed for instancewithin a housing 106 attached to the pump motor 60. In some instance, aheat dissipater 108 such as a metal plate or fin, may also be attachedto the exterior of the housing to facilitate cooling.

A common control panel 110 is also provided for controlling each of theplurality of removable pumps 14. This control panel 110 is preferablydisposed on the front panel 16 of the pump enclosure 12. The commoncontrol panel 110 is electrically connected to each of the pumpmicrocontrollers via a plurality of wires 116. The control panel 110includes at least one reset switch 112 for each removable pump 14, thereset switch 112 being electrically connected to the programmable microcontroller 102 for the removable pump 14.

The control panel 110 also includes at least one pump conditionindicator 114 for each removable pump 14. The at least one pumpcondition indicator 114 is electrically connected to the programmablemicro controller 102 for the removable pump 14, and each pump conditionindicator 114 is capable of indicating a plurality of pump conditions.Preferably the condition indicators 114 are indicator lights, such asLED lights. Alternatively, the condition indicators 114 could beprovided by audible alarms, by a video display, and the like. In aparticularly preferred embodiment, the least one reset switch 112 foreach removable pump 14 is preferably a membrane switch and the at leastone pump condition indicator 114 for each removable pump 14 isincorporated into this membrane switch.

In some instances, the control panel 110 may include at least two pumpcondition indicators 114 for each removable pump 14, with each pumpcondition indicator 114 being capable of indicating a plurality of pumpconditions.

For each of the plurality of removable pumps 14, the micro controller102 is generally programmed to start or stop the pump, and to signal aparticular pump condition (using the pump condition indicator) based onthe second pressure information received from the pressure transducer100.

For instance, if the second pressure exceeds a first predeterminedpressure threshold (e.g., greater than 85 psi), the micro controller 102is preferably programmed to stop the pump motor 60 and the at least onepump condition indicator signals a first pump condition. This first pumpcondition corresponds to a ready, standby condition for the pump. Thismay for instance be signaled on control panel 110 by a solid greenindicator light.

If the second pressure drops below a second predetermined pressurethreshold (e.g., less than 15 psi), the micro controller 102 ispreferably programmed to stop the pump motor 60 and the at least onepump condition indicator 114 signals a second pump condition. Thissecond pump condition corresponds to an empty syrup bag condition forthe pump. This may for instance be signaled on control panel 110 by aflashing red light. This will indicate to the operator that the beveragesyrup container is empty and needs to be replaced. After replacement ofthe syrup container, a manual reset of the pump, using the reset switch,may be required.

If the third pressure is between the first and the second predeterminedpressure thresholds, the micro controller 102 is preferably programmedto start the pump motor 60 and the at least one pump condition indicator114 signals a third pump condition. This third pump conditioncorresponds to the normal pumping and syrup dispensing condition for thepump. This may for instance be signaled on control panel 110 by arapidly flashing green light.

If the second pressure remains between the first and the secondpredetermined pressure thresholds for a time period which exceeds apredetermined time threshold (e.g., more than 1 minute), the microcontroller 102 is preferably programmed to stop the pump motor 60 andthe at least one pump condition indicator 114 signals a fourth pumpcondition. This fourth pump condition corresponds to a condition inwhich the pump is operable, but there is air trapped within thedischarge line. This may for instance be signaled on control panel 110by a more slowly flashing green light.

Alternatively, the micro controller 102 may be programmed to stop thepump motor 60 and the at least one pump condition indicator 114 signalsa fourth pump condition, if the second pressure remains between a thirdpredetermined pressure threshold and a fourth predetermined pressurethreshold (e.g. from 30 to 60 psi) for a time period which exceeds apredetermined time threshold (e.g., more than 1 minute). This againcorresponds to a condition in which the pump is operable, but there isair trapped within the discharge line, but uses a narrower pressurerange to define this condition.

The aforementioned control scheme is summarized in the flowchartschematic of FIG. 15.

Beneficially, the sensor and control system facilitates the replacementof conventional gas-driven diaphragm pumps with positive displacementpumps such as the electrically-driven gear pumps described above.Specifically, the sensor and control system allows the operation of thepositive displacement pumps to be monitored and managed so as to reduceor prevent pump overheating and/or deadhead over-pressurizationsituations.

In a further aspect, the present disclosure also relates to a post-mixbeverage dispenser system 120, which utilizes a multiple-pump controlledand removable pump system 10 as described above. As shown in FIG. 14,the post-mix beverage dispenser system 120 includes a beveragedispensing station 122 having a plurality of beverage mixing anddispensing nozzles 124 and a supply of carbonated water in flowcommunication with each of the beverage mixing and dispensing nozzles124. For instance, the beverage dispenser may include a watercarbonation system, in which a source of non-carbonated water 126 (suchas a municipal water supply line) is pumped into a carbonation tank 128by a water pump 130. This mixing tank 128 is also in flow communicationwith a source of carbon dioxide gas 132 such as a compressed gascylinder. Water is pumped into the mixing tank 128, and carbon dioxidegas is then mixed with, and dissolved into, the water in the mixing tank128 to provide carbonated water. The carbonated water may also be passedthrough a chiller 134 before reaching the mixing and dispensing nozzles124.

In addition, the post-mix beverage dispenser system 120 also includes aplurality of beverage syrup containers 136, each container having asupply of concentrated beverage syrup. These beverage syrup containers136 may be provided as bag-in-box syrup containers for instance.

The post-mix beverage dispenser system 120 also includes a multiple-pumpsyrup pump system 10, with a separate syrup pump for each beveragemixing and dispensing nozzle 124. Thus, each dispensing nozzle 124 isalso connected to, and in flow communication, with one bag-in-box orother beverage syrup container 136. The controlled pump system 10described above may be used to move the syrup from the syrup containerto the dispensing nozzle 124. Thus the syrup container 136 is connectedto the pump inlet port 44 and the pump outlet port 46 is connected tothe beverage mixing and dispensing nozzle in order to supply thebeverage syrup for the nozzle 124.

As noted above, each pump of the multiple-pump removable pump system 10is configured to be quickly removable from, or installed in, the pumpenclosure 12 in a tool-less manner. The tool-less removable of a pumpfrom the enclosure 12 is illustrated in FIGS. 6 through 13.

In normal operation, the sliding lock member 80 begins in the lockedposition as shown in FIG. 6, wherein the first portion 82 of the slidinglock member 80 is received in the channels 90 of the inlet port 44 andthe outlet port 46 so as to engage and retain the removable fittings 92,94 for the supply and discharge lines within the inlet port 44 and theoutlet port 46, respectively. The sliding lock member 80 is then movedto the unlocked position as shown in FIG. 7, wherein the second portion84 of the sliding lock member 80 is positioned adjacent the channels 90of the inlet port 44 and the outlet port 46. The second portion 84 doesnot engage or retain the removable fittings 92, 94 within the inlet port44 and the outlet port 46.

The fitting 92 for the supply line may then be removed from the inletport 44, and the fitting 94 for the discharge line may be removed fromthe outlet port 46, as illustrated in FIG. 8. With the supply anddischarge lines removed, the pump remains attached to the rear panel 18of the enclosure 12, as shown in FIG. 9.

The wiring 116 providing electrical connection between the microcontroller 102 and the common control panel 110 is then disconnected, asshown in FIG. 10.

The spring biased retainer pin 50, which as noted above, normallyextends through one of the slots 36 formed in the rear panel 18 ofenclosure 12 is then depressed so as to remove the pin from the rearpanel slot 36, as shown in FIG. 11. The pump may then be rotated withinits rear panel opening 32 until the retainer pin 50 clears thehorizontal lip 34 of the rear open, as shown in FIG. 12. Finally, thepump may be withdrawn from the rear panel opening 32 and removed fromthe pump enclosure 12, as illustrated in FIG. 13.

Tool-less installation of a new pump is accomplished by reversing theforegoing steps. In brief, a portion of a pump is inserted through arear panel opening 32 of the enclosure 12 and then rotated until theretainer pin 50 aligns with and engages the slot 36 formed in the lip 34above the rear panel opening 32. Wiring connections between the microcontroller 102 and the control panel 110 are established. A syrup supplyline is attached to the inlet port 44, and a discharge supply line isattached to the outlet port 46. Finally, the sliding lock member 80 ismoved from the unlocked position to the locked position in order toretain the supply and discharge line in place.

Advantageously then, according to the present disclosure, a post-mixbeverage dispenser is disclosed which does not utilize a gas drivendiaphragm pump in order to pump the beverage syrup.

Thus, the beverage syrup being pumped is no longer in contact with therubber diaphragms used in such pumps, thereby preventing flavorcross-contamination within the pumps.

In addition, by eliminating the gas driven diaphragm pump (and providinginstead a controlled positive displacement pump), the risk of leakage ofcarbon dioxide or other inert gases from the diaphragm pump is likewiseeliminated. Thus, the significant confined space asphyxiation hazardpresented by such carbon dioxide leaks is also eliminated.

Further still, the diaphragm pumps eventually require service and/orreplacement, requiring significant down time while trained technicianservices pumps system.

Moreover, the beverage syrup pumps provided may be easily and quicklyserviced, without the need for special tools or specially trainedtechnicians.

The foregoing description of preferred embodiments for this disclosurehas been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It isnot intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the preciseform disclosed. Obvious modifications or variations are possible inlight of the above teachings. The embodiments are chosen and describedin an effort to provide the best illustrations of the principles of thedisclosure and its practical application, and to thereby enable one ofordinary skill in the art to utilize the disclosure in variousembodiments and with various modifications as are suited to theparticular use contemplated. All such modifications and variations arewithin the scope of the disclosure as determined by the appended claimswhen interpreted in accordance with the breadth to which they arefairly, legally, and equitably entitled.

What is claimed is:
 1. A multiple-pump controlled pump systemcomprising: a pump enclosure adapted for receiving a plurality ofremovable pumps; a plurality of removable pumps at least partiallydisposed within the pump enclosure, each removable pump including a pumphousing having an internal pumping chamber, an inlet port, an outletport, and a sensor port, each of the ports being in flow communicationwith the pumping chamber, a pump motor, a pumping mechanism driven bythe pump motor and at least partially disposed within the pumpingchamber, the pumping mechanism being capable of receiving a fluidthrough the inlet port into the pumping chamber at a first pressure anddischarging the fluid from the pumping chamber through the outlet portat a second pressure which is greater than the first pressure, apressure transducer disposed adjacent the sensor port, the transducerbeing in contact with a quantity of the fluid at the second pressure andgenerating an electrical signal based upon the second pressure, and aprogrammable micro controller, which receives the electrical signalsfrom the pressure transducer, and is electrically connected to the pumpmotor and capable of starting and stopping the pump motor; a commoncontrol panel for controlling each of the plurality of removable pumps,the control panel including at least one reset switch for each removablepump electrically connected to the programmable micro controller for theremovable pump, and at least one pump condition indicator for eachremovable pump electrically connected to the programmable microcontroller for the removable pump, each pump condition indicator beingcapable of indicating a plurality of pump conditions, wherein for eachof the plurality of removable pumps the pumping mechanism comprises: adrive gear, having a plurality of drive gear teeth, disposed within thepumping chamber and rotatably driven by the pump motor; and an idlergear, having a plurality of idler gear teeth intermeshed with the drivegear teeth, disposed within the pumping chamber and attached to an idlershaft disposed within the pumping chamber, and wherein the sensor portis located downstream of the drive gear and the idler gear.
 2. Themultiple-pump controlled pump system of claim 1, wherein for each of theplurality of removable pumps the pressure transducer comprises a ceramicpiezo disc.
 3. The multiple-pump controlled pump system of claim 1,wherein the control panel includes at least two pump conditionindicators for each removable pump, each pump condition indicator beingcapable of indicating a plurality of pump conditions.
 4. Themultiple-pump controlled pump system of claim 1, wherein the least onereset switch for each removable pump is a membrane switch and the atleast one pump condition indicator for each removable pump isincorporated into the membrane switch.
 5. The multiple-pump controlledpump system of claim 1, wherein, for each of the plurality of removablepumps, the micro controller is programmed to stop the pump motor and theat least one pump condition indicator signals a first pump condition ifthe second pressure exceeds a first predetermined pressure threshold. 6.The multiple-pump controlled pump system of claim 1, wherein, for eachof the plurality of removable pumps, the micro controller is programmedto stop the pump motor and the at least one pump condition indicatorsignals a second pump condition if the second pressure drops a secondpredetermined pressure threshold.
 7. The multiple-pump controlled pumpsystem of claim 1, wherein, for each of the plurality of removablepumps, the micro controller is programmed to start the pump motor andthe at least one pump condition indicator signals a third pump conditionif the second pressure is between the first and the second predeterminedpressure thresholds.
 8. The multiple-pump controlled pump system ofclaim 1, wherein, for each of the plurality of removable pumps, themicro controller is programmed to stop the pump motor and the at leastone pump condition indicator signals a fourth pump condition if thesecond pressure remains between the first and the second predeterminedpressure thresholds for a time period which exceeds a predetermined timethreshold.
 9. The multiple-pump controlled pump system of claim 1,wherein, for each of the plurality of removable pumps, the microcontroller is programmed to stop the pump motor and the at least onepump condition indicator signals a fourth pump condition if the secondpressure remains between a third predetermined pressure threshold and afourth predetermined pressure threshold for a time period which exceedsa predetermined time threshold.
 10. The multiple-pump removable pumpsystem of claim 1, wherein the removable pumps are beverage syrup pumps.11. A post-mix beverage dispenser system comprising: a beveragedispensing station having a plurality of beverage mixing and dispensingnozzles; a supply of carbonated water in flow communication with each ofthe beverage mixing and dispensing nozzles; a plurality of beveragesyrup containers, each container having a supply of concentratedbeverage syrup; and a multiple-pump syrup controlled pump systemcomprising: a pump enclosure adapted to house a plurality of syruppumps; a plurality of syrup pumps disposed within the pump enclosure,each syrup pump including a pump housing having an internal pumpingchamber, an inlet port in flow communication with one of the beveragesyrup containers and with the pumping chamber, an outlet port in flowcommunication with the pumping chamber and with one of the beveragemixing and dispensing nozzles, and a sensor port in flow communicationwith the pumping chamber, a pump motor, a pumping mechanism driven bythe pump motor and at least partially disposed within the pumpingchamber, the pumping mechanism being capable of receiving a fluidthrough the inlet port into the pumping chamber at a first pressure anddischarging the fluid from the pumping chamber through the outlet portat a second pressure which is greater than the first pressure, and apressure transducer disposed adjacent the sensor port, the transducerbeing in contact with a quantity of the fluid at the second pressure andgenerating an electrical signal based upon the second pressure, aprogrammable micro controller, which receives the electrical signalsfrom the pressure transducer, and is electrically connected to the pumpmotor and capable of starting and stopping the pump motor; and a commoncontrol panel for controlling each of the plurality of syrup pumps, thecontrol panel including at least one reset switch for each syrup pumpelectrically connected to the at least one programmable micro controllerfor the removable pump, and at least one pump condition indicator foreach removable pump electrically connected to the programmable microcontroller for the removable pump, each pump condition indicator beingcapable of indicating a plurality of pump conditions, wherein for eachof the plurality of syrup pumps the pumping mechanism comprises: a drivegear, having a plurality of drive gear teeth, disposed within thepumping chamber and rotatably driven by the pump motor; and an idlergear, having a plurality of idler gear teeth intermeshed with the drivegear teeth, disposed within the pumping chamber and attached to an idlershaft disposed within the pumping chamber, and wherein the sensor portis located downstream of the drive gear and the idler gear.
 12. Thepost-mix beverage dispenser system of claim 11, wherein for each of theplurality of syrup pumps the pressure transducer comprises a ceramicpiezo disc.
 13. The post-mix beverage dispenser system of claim 11,wherein the control panel includes at least two pump conditionindicators for each syrup pump, each pump condition indicator beingcapable of indicating a plurality of pump conditions.
 14. The post-mixbeverage dispenser system of claim 11, wherein the least one resetswitch for each syrup pump is a membrane switch and the at least onepump condition indicator for each syrup pump is incorporated into themembrane switch.
 15. The post-mix beverage dispenser system of claim 11,wherein, for each of the plurality of removable pumps, the microcontroller is programmed to stop the pump motor and the at least onepump condition indicator signals a first pump condition if the secondpressure exceeds a first predetermined pressure threshold.
 16. Thepost-mix beverage dispenser system of claim 11, wherein, for each of theplurality of removable pumps, the micro controller is programmed to stopthe pump motor and the at least one pump condition indicator signals asecond pump condition if the second pressure drops a secondpredetermined pressure threshold.
 17. The post-mix beverage dispensersystem of claim 11, wherein, for each of the plurality of removablepumps, the micro controller is programmed to start the pump motor andthe at least one pump condition indicator signals a third pump conditionif the second pressure is between the first and the second predeterminedpressure thresholds.
 18. The post-mix beverage dispenser system of claim11, wherein, for each of the plurality of removable pumps, the microcontroller is programmed to stop the pump motor and the at least onepump condition indicator signals a fourth pump condition if the secondpressure remains between the first and the second predetermined pressurethresholds for a time period which exceeds a predetermined timethreshold.
 19. The post-mix beverage dispenser system of claim 11,wherein, for each of the plurality of removable pumps, the microcontroller is programmed to stop the pump motor and the at least onepump condition indicator signals a fourth pump condition if the secondpressure remains between a third predetermined pressure threshold and afourth predetermined pressure threshold for a time period which exceedsa predetermined time threshold.